The custodians of sustainable tourism in KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - March 2026

Searching for the custodians of sustainable tourism, driving various beneficial community-driven and nature conservation initiatives in South Africa, takes one to KwaZulu-Natal, starting at Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, all the way through to iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Therein lie two Isibindi Africa Lodges. Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park boasts unspoiled landscapes of rolling hills, acacia bushveld, and river valleys, while on the azure shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, sits Thonga Beach Lodge.

While Africa’s oldest game reserve, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, and South Africa’s very first World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, are some of the best places in KwaZulu-Natal to unwind in comfort, there is more to them than meets the eye. Within the perfect mix of luxury and adventure, there are intentional efforts - which also involve the guests - ensuring a meaningful impact in the lives of people residing in communities nearby, and the conservation of natural areas through various initiatives driven by both the Isibindi Africa Lodges - Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge and Thonga Beach Lodge - and the foundation, The Isibindi Foundation.

 Community and conservation initiatives

• Over 90% of staff in both lodges are from the communities nearby, with Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge focusing on the Mpembeni community, and Thonga Beach Lodge on the Mabibi community.

• In the coastal Mabibi community, the Mabibi Primary School received extensive investment over the years, funding major infrastructure projects, supplementing the nutrition programme, providing curriculum support and training to staff, as well as paying the salary for a teacher’s assistant.

• Several Early Childhood Development Centres located in the community of Mpembeni are supported through various support programmes, including training on effective teaching practice, mentorship for practitioners, nutrition, and infrastructure improvement.

• Take a guided tour of the local community just outside the park, where you can visit a crèche, see the Isibindi nutritional programme in action, spend time with local craftsmen weaving baskets, and explore the new Mphoswa - Isibindi Community Conservation Centre. Here, you’ll learn more about the initiatives the Isibindi Foundation runs and supports in the area, and how your stay as a guest has helped contribute to their success.

• The Isibindi Foundation provides support to the Unyezi Community–Based Centre on a monthly basis through the provision of groceries and supplies. This Organisation supports the vulnerable in the Mpembeni community by assisting the elderly, providing refuge and support to orphaned children, as well as providing counselling by social workers where needed.

• The Isibindi Foundation has launched a pioneering guide training school in partnership with FGASA for unemployed youth residing in the communities of Mabibi and Mpembeni. This Nature Guiding qualification provides these individuals with the required skills and practical experience required to obtain work opportunities within the ecotourism industry.

• Both lodges have removed single-use plastics, which include replacing plastic water bottles with reusable glass bottles for each guest.

• A campaign was launched to assist in the preservation of rhinos within Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (HIP) by supporting the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife HIP K9 Unit. Additionally, the Anti-Poaching Unit is supported with various supplies such as hiking and camping gear for rangers on patrol, as well as additional resources.

• At iSimangaliso Wetland Park, there is a significant investment in Turtle Protection programmes and initiatives, regular beach clean-ups along the Mabibi coastline with members of the community, a Marine Monitor who oversees the Mabibi rock pool area, as well as community clean-ups in the local communities, all of which serve to educate the local community members on the importance of conserving the environment.  

For more information, visit Isibindi.co.za or contact the reservations team at res@isibindi.co.za / +27 (0)35 474 1473.